Trump Backs Out After GOP Betrays Him

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President Trump said Thursday that he would have no objection to temporarily pulling acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination until after two Republican senators who oppose him leave office next year.

The president’s comments were directed at Sens. Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, whose objections have stalled Blanche’s confirmation in the Senate. Cornyn lost his Republican primary earlier this year to Trump-backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, while Tillis decided not to seek reelection.

Trump praised Blanche, who previously served as his personal attorney before joining the Justice Department, calling him a “star” and making clear that Blanche would continue serving as acting attorney general regardless of whether his nomination moves forward.

The nomination has run into resistance from Cornyn, who has demanded written assurances that the administration’s controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund has been permanently abandoned. The fund stemmed from a settlement agreement between the Trump administration and the IRS and has drawn criticism from both lawmakers and the courts.

Because Tillis and Cornyn both serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, either senator could effectively block Blanche’s nomination from advancing to a vote before the full Senate. On Wednesday evening, the committee postponed a scheduled vote after Republican opposition prevented the nomination from moving ahead.

Even if Trump withdraws Blanche’s nomination, the president could keep him in place as acting attorney general, allowing him to continue leading the Justice Department while avoiding the confirmation battle.

Cornyn responded on social media by arguing that Trump was mistaken if he believed concerns over the IRS settlement were limited to just two senators. During Blanche’s confirmation hearing earlier this month, Cornyn pressed him about whether there was a written agreement changing the settlement’s terms. Blanche replied that the fund was simply no longer moving forward.

The controversy surrounding the settlement has already complicated Republican legislative efforts. Critics labeled the fund a political slush fund, raising concerns that it could ultimately benefit individuals convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. After a federal judge blocked the distribution of the money, the administration abandoned the proposal.